Balti Ballads were the first band on when the bar opened at nine p.m., and there were just a few dozen people for their first set. Omar was relieved, as despite the rehearsal session they’d had beforehand, he hadn’t really got the hang of Sharif’s new songs which were so aggressive and high energy that he could hardly hear the words as he shouted them, or keep up with the relentless rhythms. He’d practised them in college, but with nothing like this pace. He hid behind Micky’s virtuoso playing and Stevo’s now more than competent drumming, and noticed how they were drawing in more and more people from the neighbouring bars, until the place was packed with leaping, sweaty bodies thrusting their fists in the air in unison with Sharif. Omar was relieved and embarrassed when they finally had a break between the sets - he was expecting the rest of the band to bollock him, but they were so pleased with the response that they just downed their pints. Sharif lit a fag and wandered over to Omar.

’I’ve got a favour to ask you, kid.’

‘Sure,’ said Omar, feeling that he owed Sharif something for doing so little justice to his new material.

’You remember Ali Rantell? Well, I’m still seeing her, on and off. And tonight she’s brought her little sister along with her - she’s just been dumped, or something. Do you mind taking her for a drink or something after-wards so Ali and I can get off on our own?’

‘You don’t mean Cassie?’ Omar said, appalled. ‘Why can’t Stevo take her out, or Micky?’

‘Micky’s seeing someone, and Stevo dumped her once already, so she’s not going to go anywhere with him. Go on, mate. She’s always liked you - she told me she thinks you’re sweet. You might even get lucky. Cassie gets off with everyone.’

‘Yeah, well that’s the point,’ muttered Omar. Although he privately thought Cassie was rather nice, she had an appalling reputation. He looked out into the audience and saw the beautiful Ali sitting gracefully at the bar, radiating huge confidence in a tiny skirt. He could just about see her short, curly-haired sister - she had cropped her hair and looked small and vulnerable. He suddenly felt a bit sorry for her; it wouldn’t be much fun for her to be stuck alone at the bar while Sharif and Ali shagged backstage. ‘OK, I’ll have a drink with her or something,’ he said grudgingly.